# Layout

## Refresh Layout

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2F8gsCkqHl0uD4js0rIjaE%2Fkbar_workflower_03_refresh-layout_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0f269d88-3851-4260-8ea3-3c6293155297" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Refreshes the layout of the current comp (Win+Mac: Shift+Z, Win+Mac \[German]: Shift+Y, Win+Mac \[French]: Shift+W).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Sometimes the language-specific shortcut (German or French) of *Refresh Layout* won't get applied correctly by default because the OS or AE language can't get detected accurately. In that case, the English shortcut will be applied. If you want the best user experience, change the shortcut manually to its default in these languages (German: Shift+Y, French: Shift+W).
{% endhint %}

Use *Refresh Layout* every time layers have been moved, created, or renamed (using AE renaming).

*Refresh Layout* will refresh:

* Indent
* Visibility, solo, and lock states
* Group parents
* Group labels
* Layer icons
* Trim of group headers to their contained layers (as well as trimming of other layer types; for more information, [see below](#automatic-trimming))

It will also:

* Quick refresh clone connections of selected layers (for more information, [see below](#quick-refresh-clone-connections-of-selected-layers))
* (added in [version 1.1](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-1) ->) Refresh [Group Mattes](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/matting#group-matte) if layers were added/removed to/from a group
* (added in [version 1.1](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-1) ->) Refresh [Group Linked Adjustment Layers](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/adjustment-layers#group-linked-adjustment-layers) if layers were added/removed to/from a group
* Collapse layers that have been shifted into a collapsed group
* Convert layers of a *Prime Clone* to *Prime Clone* layers and vice versa
* Convert *Precomp Clones*, on which its *Cloned Layer* effects have been deleted, to *Dependent Clones*
* Reorder effects on *Linked Adjustment Layers* according to the order in which the *Linked Adjustment Layers* are within the comp (for more on this, see [Create Linked Adjustment Layer](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/adjustment-layers#create-linked-adjustment-layer) chapter)
* Remove Group Mattes from layers if the Group Matte Layer itself has been deleted
* Check names of selected layers for whether duplicate names exist and rename the selected layers if needed
* (added in [version 2.5](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5) ->) Check names of selected masks for whether duplicate names exist and rename the selected masks if needed
* (added in [version 2.0](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#2-0) ->) Refresh names of group elements ([Group Mattes](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/matting#group-matte), [Group Inter-Merges](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/matting#group-mattes-in-ae-23-and-upwards), [Group Adjustment Layers](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/adjustment-layers#group-linked-adjustment-layers), and [Group Clones](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/cloning#group-clone)) to their group header name, as well as [Matte Merge](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/matting#merge-mattes) layer names to their matted layer name.
* (added in [version 2.0](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#2-0) ->) Refresh the timing of [Tag Markers](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/tagging-layers) to their original position
* (added in [version 2.5](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5) ->) Refresh names of [Precomp Clones](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/cloning#clone-and-precomp) in the project panel to inherit the *Precomp Clone* layer name as well as indicate the *Precomp Clone* layer's containing comp with the suffix *(in '\[COMP]')*.
* (added in [version 2.5](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5) ->) Refresh names of [Linked Masks](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/connections#adding-linked-masks) and their corresponding effects.
* (added in [version 2.5](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5) ->) Refresh names of [masks referenced by an effect](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/connections#adding-removing-effect-masks).

Tip: *Refresh Layout* will also be executed when you center-click on empty space on the [ScriptUI Panel](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/main-menu#main-menu-as-scriptui-panel).

{% hint style="info" %}
*Refresh Layout* will only refresh the comp's layout. Connections of *Clones in Comp*, entire Precomp *Clones*, *Linked Adjustment Layers,* and *Group Mattes* are **not** being refreshed. You need to use [Refresh Connections](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/connections#refresh-connections) for this.

Also, read up [here](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/faq#refresh-functions) for more info on the difference between *Refresh Layout* and *Refresh Connections*.
{% endhint %}

### Unavailable After Effects Functions

![Layer Comments
with Internal Workflower Information](https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2F-Mg_mLTxBf89h-t7TWTj%2F-Mga1tanIqPs5g_swo3-%2FUnavailable---Comments.jpg?alt=media\&token=73116f43-bf63-4092-9a5d-62db2c251ca5)

In order for *Workflower* to run its functions, by default it is taking full control of:

* AE's shy mode (to collapse groups)
* AE's layer comments (to store internal information)
  * However, as of version 2.5.1, it's possible to use [external layer comments](#allowing-external-layer-comments)
* AE's project item comments of compositions (to store internal information)

{% hint style="danger" %}
That means, though, that shy states and comments are **not** usable anymore. Keep that in mind when applying *Workflower* to an existing comp because all shy and comment data will be overwritten.
{% endhint %}

#### Allowing External Layer Comments <a href="#allowing-external-layer-comments" id="allowing-external-layer-comments"></a>

**(Added in** [**version 2.5.1**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5-1)**)**

As of *version 2.5.1*, it's possible to add layer comments without *Workflower* overwriting them. (It has been in beta since 2.0.4.)

It's disabled by default. Enable it under *Settings > Layout > Allow External Layer Comments*.

This makes Workflower compatible with a variety of add-ons that rely on writing/reading data to/from the layer comments (like [Flatten Layers](https://aescripts.com/flatten-layers/) or [AutoSway](https://aescripts.com/autosway/)).

*Workflower* achieves this by saving its data to a layer marker when a non-*Workflower* layer comment is added. Do not remove this marker!

{% hint style="warning" %}
Using non-*Workflower* layer comments can reduce performance of *Workflower* functions, so it's recommended to use as few as possible.
{% endhint %}

To return to *Workflower* using layer comments in order to store data, just put in an empty string into the layer comment and execute any Workflower function.

### Exempting Layer Names from Indentation <a href="#exempt-layer-names" id="exempt-layer-names"></a>

**(Added in** [**version 1.0.5**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-0-5)**)**

![Exempting 'Original Base' from being indented to keep the 'Normalize Track' Script functional](https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FNA8uteoYO33VB5tIDS8S%2FLayout---Exempt.jpg?alt=media\&token=4bc256ee-c79b-48a9-a593-76dcfe1e3f82)

Certain plugins/scripts depend on specific layers to keep their original name. Tools that depend on this include *RubberHose 2*, *Deekay Tool*, or *Normalize Track*. However, in *Indented Layout*, *Workflower* will rename almost all layer names in your comp indent them. To combat this, you can add a marker to your layer with the comment "NNN" (without quotation marks).

Be aware that doing this will keep the layer name from being altered at all. So if the layer already has an indent, it will keep that indent. If you don't want the layer to have that indent, just remove it and the next time you execute *Refresh Layout*, no indent will be added.

As of [version 1.1](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/main-functions/broken-reference), you can also use the dedicated function [Exempt Layer Name from Alteration](#exempt-layer-name-from-alteration) in order to add the marker with "NNN" to a layer. This makes it faster to add the marker to multiple layers at once. Additionally, it will also remove the layer name's indent in case it had one.

For a list of plugins/scripts that depend on specific layer names and that we've tested for their compatibility with *Workflower*, please click [here](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/faq#specific-layer-names).

#### Always exempt certain Layer Names from Indentation

As of [version 2.5.1](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5-1), you can also [define a set of layer names that are always to be exempted from alteration](#define-layer-name-exceptions-from-alteration).

### Automatic **Trimming**

**(Added in version 1.1)**

![Group Headers trimmed to contained Layers](https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FNGIp9wvL0MdWk35AhUax%2FLayout---Trim.jpg?alt=media\&token=3ae48d57-de6e-4645-8bb5-1c700a72af89)

If enabled under the *Trimming Settings*, the group header's in and out point will be adjusted to the group's layers once you execute *Refresh Layout*. That way, you always know the group's position in time even when the group is collapsed.

All empty groups will be trimmed to the entire comp duration.

Additionally, there are even more layer types that will be automatically trimmed to another set of layers, so in total these are your total trimming functions:

1. Group header to contained layers
2. *Group Matte Layers* to their group header
3. *Group Adjustment Layers* to their group header
4. Track mattes to their matted layers (disabled by default since [version 2.0](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#2-0))
5. [Matte Merge](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/matting#merge-mattes) layers to their matted layer (when track matte directly above)
6. [Precomp Clones](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/cloning#clone-and-precomp) to their contained layers
7. Adjustment layers that are matted to clones (when track matte directly above)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Automatic trimming of regular track mattes to matted layers has been disabled by default in [version 2.0](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#2-0) since it sometimes resulted in confusing automatic trims.
{% endhint %}

You can disable or enable any of these options by going to *Settings > Trimming*.

To exempt any of these layers from being trimmed, simply add a marker to the layer with the comment "TTT" (without quotation marks) or execute [Exempt Layer from Trimming](#exempt-layer-from-trimming) by going to the [Main Menu](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/main-functions/main-menu), holding down *Alt/Option,* and clicking on the [Rename Layer/s](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/layer-functions/renaming#rename-layer-s) button.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Don't confuse this feature with [Layers respect Group In/Out](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/group-functions/miscellaneous-group-functions)! *Layers respect Group In/Out* will trim every contained layer to the group header's trim whereas this feature will do the opposite: trim the header's in/out point to the contained layers.

When you're using *Layers respect Group In/Out*, the automatic trimming of the header's in/out point will be disabled.
{% endhint %}

### Unavailable Characters <a href="#unavailable-characters" id="unavailable-characters"></a>

Since *After Effects'* Spectrum UI (AE 25 and up), *Workflower* has to use regular characters as icons in its layer names on both Windows and Mac (previously this was only necessary on Mac).

That's why certain combinations of characters cannot be used in layer names since they will be removed and replaced every time *Refresh Layout* is executed. Make sure not to use the following combinations of characters within your layer names:

| Unavailable Characters on Windows                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | Unavailable Characters on Mac                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p><em>(applies since After Effects 2025)</em></p><p></p><p>－    (Special Minus)</p><p>＋    (Special Plus)</p><p>└</p><p>～<br>¤</p><p>ｏ    (Special 'o')</p><p>╒╕</p><p>\[t]</p><p>\[x]</p><p>\[c]</p><p>\[p]</p><p>\[i]</p><p>\[d]</p><p>\[g]</p><p>\[w]</p><p>\[ws]</p><p>\[m]</p><p>Ø</p><p>≫    (Special Guillemet)</p><p>\[a]</p><p>\[\[U]]</p><p>∆</p><p>∆ ∆</p><p>‡</p><p>\[R]</p><p>\[--R--]</p><p>\[PR]</p><p>\[--PR--]</p><p>\[r]</p><p>\[--r--]</p><p>\[pr]</p><p>\[--pr--]</p> | <p><em>(applies in all After Effects versions)</em></p><p></p><p>\[–]<br>\[+]<br>></p><p>\~<br>\[\[O]]<br>\[o]<br>\[==]<br>\[t]<br>\[x]<br>\[c]<br>\[p]<br>\[i]<br>\[d]<br>\[g]</p><p>\[w]</p><p>\[ws]<br>\[m]<br>\[ø]<br>»<br>\[a]<br>\[\[U]]<br>∆<br>∆ ∆<br>‡<br>\[R]<br>\[--R--]<br>\[PR]<br>\[--PR--]<br>\[r]<br>\[--r--]<br>\[pr]<br>\[--pr--]</p> |

### Quick Refresh Clone Connections of Selected Layers

By default, this setting is disabled. To enable it, go to the *Cloning Settings* and activate *When executing 'Refresh Layout', quick refresh Clone Connections of selected Layers*. Now, every time you add or delete effects/masks, change the effects/masks order, change a parent or blending mode, enable/disable 3D, etc., simply execute *Refresh Layout* to update the corresponding clone layer/s.

This *Quick Refresh Connections* function within *Refresh Layout* is mostly identical to the separate *Quick Refresh Connections* function and has similar limitations. For more on this, see the [Quick Refresh Connections](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/connections#quick-refresh-connections-experimental) chapter. However, there are also some differences between the *Quick Refresh Connections* function within *Refresh Layout* and the actual *Quick Refresh Connections* function:

* Only connections of the selected layers, as well as the layer order, will be refreshed within *Refresh Layout*; not the other layers within the clone comp.
* Potentially cloning and replacing layers with non-readable effects **DOES NOT** happen when quick refreshing connections within *Refresh Layout*, as it would slow down *Refresh Layout* too much.
* Only *Precomp Clone* connections will be refreshed. No *Clones in Comp*, *Linked Adjustment Layers,* or *Group Mattes*.

{% hint style="info" %}
Using *Quick Refresh Clone Connections* within *Refresh Layout* might slow down *Refresh Layout*. If you prefer a better performance, disable this option in the *Cloning Settings* and refresh connections only via its [dedicated functions](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/main-functions/connections).
{% endhint %}

## Toggle Non-Indented Layout

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2F5oy5S4wexnZ2XBk152rU%2Fkbar_workflower_04_toggle-non-indented_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6d2fd897-308b-4990-9a04-dc7bcbfebf54" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Toggles from *Indented Layout* to *Non-Indented Layout* and vice versa (Win: Shift+I, Mac: no default shortcut).

![Left: Indented Layout; Right: Non-Indented Layout](https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2F-MR-TNYUoWg59OTgCkZg%2F-MR-YvzjOULGNEHx8iLh%2FLayout%20-%20Non-Indented%20Layout%2001.jpg?alt=media\&token=54cc58d3-0512-477b-be40-2253ac517727)

*Non-Indented Layout* may be useful to you if you want to use *Refresh Layout* less since indenting can only happen if *Refresh Layout* is executed every time layers have been moved. Aside from that, if the indent in *Indented Layout* is updated, the layer names will be renamed and if the layers in question are linked using expressions by other layers, all expressions will have to updated by AE, which will take a bit of time. To avoid this, you can instead use *Non-Indented Layout*.

Be aware that toggling to *Non-Indented Layout* may take a bit of time since all layers have to be renamed.

*Non-Indented Layout* can be set as the default layout in the *Layout Settings*.

## Toggle Expression Mode

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FYEEbZMUP7qSgtrRgWpi4%2Fkbar_workflower_05_toggle-expression-mode_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=02c675ee-957d-433a-8aa7-8724d7eb64fc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Toggles from *Indented Layout* to *Expression Mode* and vice versa (Win: Shift+O, Mac: no default shortcut).

![Left: Indented Layout; Right: Expression Mode](https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2F-MR-TNYUoWg59OTgCkZg%2F-MR-ZCss6ZSgwnPwZJeW%2FLayout%20-%20Expression%20Mode%2001.jpg?alt=media\&token=80da3b0c-56b8-4097-88ce-4949be2065bd)

*Expression Mode* removes the indent and strips away all special characters, created by *Workflower*. This is useful when writing expressions where other layers are referenced. When typing out another layer's name in an expression, it may be annoying to type out every space in the indent, or to put in the special characters, which can't be found on a keyboard.

Be aware that toggling to *Expression Mode* may take a bit of time since all layers have to be renamed.

*Expression Mode* can be set as the default layout in the *Layout Settings*.

### Custom Indentation Icon in Expression Mode

**(Added in** [**version 1.1**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-1)**)**

You have the option to use a custom indentation icon in *Expression Mode*. (Go to the *Icon Settings* to enable it.) This will display one icon (*#* by default) for each level of indentation, e.g. *# Layer 1* for a layer which is one group level deep, *## Layer 2* for a layer which is two group levels deep, etc.

This can be useful if you work a lot in *Expression Mode* and you want to have an indication of the layers' indentation level when writing your expressions.

{% hint style="warning" %}
When using an indentation icon and exchanging your project, make sure to use the same icon. Otherwise, *Workflower* will interpret the icon as part of the layer name. Another option would be to use **no** *Expression Mode* when handing over comps or to disable the custom indentation icon.
{% endhint %}

## Show / Hide Layer Relationships

<div align="left"><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FSjZXejSle7xqRlHI1Xme%2Ficon_show-layer-relationships_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7911a04c-c501-44de-aac0-bf06ba6de181" alt=""></div>

**(Added in** [**version 2.5**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5)**)**

Toggles layer relationships, displayed via layer markers, on and off (no default shortcut; Win: *Alt+Click* on the *Refresh Layout Button*; Mac: *Option+Click* on the *Refresh Layout Button*).

<figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FiV9P8sswS9Um7dfZlmLT%2FScreenshot%202024-08-29%20at%2023.59.36.png?alt=media&#x26;token=87b3bdfc-26d2-4c1d-bf16-bc948d0493ab" alt=""><figcaption><p>Markers displaying Layer Relationships</p></figcaption></figure>

This feature enables you to see the relationship between the layers. It displays which layer references another layer via effect, and indicates the referenced layer too.

To update the state, please execute [Refresh Layout](#refresh-layout).

By default, this feature is disabled for new comps and has to be enabled first. In the *Layout Settings*, you can customize whether layer relationships should be displayed by default as well as how many relationship slots per layer are displayed at a maximum.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Be aware that this function might slow down *Refresh Layout* a bit since the layer markers have to be recreated internally every time you execute it. So if *Refresh Layout* gets too slow, only enable *Layer Relationships* when needed.
{% endhint %}

## Sort Project Items

<div align="left"><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FggmI7lnLyUxst5efvRMw%2Ficon_sort-items_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=59fede24-553e-40a4-bd6c-f0995a70265b" alt=""></div>

**(Added in** [**version 2.5**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5)**)**

Sorts items in the project panel into folders of their type (Win: Alt+Shift+F2, Mac: no default shortcut / Via [Main Menu](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/main-functions/main-menu): Win: *Alt+Click* on the *Create Group Button*, Mac: *Option+Click* on the *Create Group Button*).

<figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FOvusEXEZQlH2lzTKaAJl%2Fsort-project-items.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=75f98d32-a509-4f4a-87fd-96d6fd9996df" alt="" width="197"><figcaption><p>Sorted Folders</p></figcaption></figure>

Sorts into the following folders:

* Clones
* Comps
* Footage
  * Audio
  * Other/Missing
  * PSD/AI
  * Stills
  * Video
* Imported Projects (folders need to keep *.aep* suffix)

Customize which folders ought to be sorted in the *Sorting* settings.

Folders with label *None* will be excluded. (Additional labels can be defined in the *Sorting* settings.)

#### Import & Sort File/s

You can import and directly sort files by right-clicking on the [Sort Project Items](#sort-project-items)-button.

This function additionally offers the ability to set the framerate on EXR sequences on import when creating a layered composition.

## Convert all Comps to another Layout

**(Added in** [**version 1.0.3**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-0-3-august-26-2021)**)**

Batch-converts all comps in the current project to another layout style.

!['Convert all Comps to another Layout' Dialog](https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FGm5kA76UKhu6jUBaHMCh%2FLayout---Convert.jpg?alt=media\&token=20f91a0d-dfb0-401e-9653-09bc1192b13b)

To make use of this, go to the *Layout Settings*, you click on *Convert all Comps to another Layout*. Or, as of [version 2.0.4](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-0-4), you can also right-click on empty space on the ScriptUI Panel and click on *Export/Import Project* to open the same function.

This is useful when you want to exchange the project file with someone who doesn't own *Workflower:*

Preferably, you want to convert your comps then to *Expression Mode* which will get rid of all indent and special characters. You also might want to enable *Expand all Collapsed Groups*, *Disable Shy'd WF Layers above Groups with Error Message* (the [shy'd layer above a *Workflower* group header](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/group-functions/create-and-duplicate-groups#additional-layers-to-keep-in-mind) holds information for potential error messages - however, when you don't work with *Workflower*, this message will be useless and might confuse you), and *Unlock Shy'd WF Layers above and below Groups*.

If the aep is returned to you, it is possible to convert the comps back to *Indented Layout* using *Convert all Comps in Project to another Layout Style*. For that to be possible, however, it is necessary that no layer/comp comments were deleted, as *Workflower* relies on them to store information about groups and layers. Also, the group header, as well as the shy'd layers above and below the group, mustn't have been deleted. These are necessary for *Workflower* to be able to identify the beginning and end of a group.

If you want to exchange the project file with someone who doesn't have *Workflower*, that person might find it annoying to deal with the additional shy'd layers above and below groups, so using this function, you can also remove those layers. However, be aware that it will then be impossible to read group information on re-importing and you would have to create your groups anew!

## Update all Comps

**(Added in** [**version 1.1**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-1)**)**

Batch-refreshes the layout of all comps in the current project.

To make use of this, go to the *Layout Settings*, you click on *Update all Comps*.

This can be useful if you accidentally dismissed the update dialog after opening the project and you want to update all comps to your current version or current OS.

## Convert Project to older WF/AE Version <a href="#convert-project-to-older-wf-version" id="convert-project-to-older-wf-version"></a>

**(Added in** [**version 1.1**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-1)**)**

Batch-converts all comps in the current project to an older *Workflower* or *After Effects* version.

To make use of this function, go to the *Layout Settings*, you click on *Convert Project to older WF/AE Version*.

Since certain *Workflower* versions (like *1.1*) include features that are incompatible with older *Workflower* versions, you will have to downgrade your project before handing it over to someone who uses an older *Workflower* version, or before you downgrade to an older *Workflower* version yourself.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please be aware that certain attributes get removed when converting to an older version. For example, [v1.0.6](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#1-0-5) does not include the ability to use [Group Opacity](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/group-functions/miscellaneous-group-functions#group-opacity), that's why all *Group Opacities* get removed when converting the project to *v1.0.6*.
{% endhint %}

## Exempt Layer Name from Alteration

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FAILn6RifI8n05aUSl3UJ%2Fkbar_workflower_46_exempt-layer-from-alteration_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4eef2aa3-9281-4e40-ad57-c7cd3337f1aa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**(Added in version 1.1)**

Adds a marker with "NNN" to the selected layers in order to exempt their names from alteration (not available via shortcut; Win: *Ctrl+Click* on the *Rename Layer/s Button*; Mac: *Cmd+Click* on the *Rename Layer/s Button*).

Especially useful when you want to exempt several layers from indentation at once.

For more information on this, [see above](#exempt-layer-names).

## Define Layer Name Exceptions from Alteration

**(Added in** [**version 2.5.1**](https://workflower.constantin-maier.com/releases#id-2-5-1)**)**

Allows to define a set of layer names always to be exempted from alteration.

<figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FbpFmb8n1SyvAcEYAecWl%2FScreenshot_2025-01-29_174833.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0b61803c-4701-4831-a8d3-19c4a6ce2407" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Since some 3rd party add-ons depend on specific layer names, Workflower provides the [Exempt Layer Name from Alteration](#exempt-layer-name-from-alteration) function. However, this has to be done for every layer individually and since the names to be exempted are often the same, *Define Layer Name Exceptions from Alteration* allows you to permanently exempt layers with certain names.

To make use of this, go to the *Layout Settings* and click on *Define Layer Name Exceptions from Alteration*.

In the textbox, add your layer names. Separate the names by adding a new line.

Additionally, the function allows you to customize additional conditions (**need to precede name with NO spaces between**):

<table><thead><tr><th width="317.89453125">Condition</th><th>Explanation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>[*<em>WF-INCLUDE-ONLY*</em>]</td><td>String should be only included in layer name</td></tr><tr><td>[<em>*WF-FX-DISPLAY:'Display Name'*</em>]</td><td>Excludes only if layer has effect with display name (= name in AE interface)</td></tr><tr><td>[<em>*WF-FX-MATCH:'Match Name'*</em>]</td><td>Excludes only if layer has effect with match name (= internal name)</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Example:** *\[\*WF-INCLUDE-ONLY\*]\[\*WF-FX-DISPLAY:'Transform'\*]Control*\
**Will match:** Layer with name 'Control Layer' and 'Transform' effect

## Exempt Layer from Trimming

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3790197535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MQrCmGZz5honeHZINyR%2Fuploads%2FeD2eFmUaZGQfWlsTzKz1%2Fkbar_workflower_47_exempt-layer-from-trimming_00000.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0a2a839a-05db-4743-a1b6-d54d02523600" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**(Added in version 1.1)**

Adds a marker with "TTT" to the selected layers in order to exempt them from being automatically trimmed (not available via shortcut; Win: *Ctrl+Click* on the *Rename Layer/s Button*; Mac: *Cmd+Click* on the *Rename Layer/s Button*).

For more information on this, [see above](#automatic-trimming).